And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

ACTS 12:22KJV
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Acts 12:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 12:22 mean?

Acts 12:22 describes how the crowd loudly praised King Herod, declaring, “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” The people were claiming that Herod’s speech sounded divine rather than human.

In this scene, King Herod is addressing a public gathering, and the people respond with an enthusiastic shout, giving him honor far beyond what is due to a human leader. Their words suggest they see Herod as more than a man, which sets the stage for what follows in the story—God’s response to such blasphemous praise. This moment highlights the dangerous flattery and misplaced worship directed at a ruler instead of God.

Where else these words appear

“shout” Greek G2019 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
  • Acts 22:24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

“people” Greek G1218 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
  • Acts 19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
  • Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

“voice” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
  • Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;